Waiting Patiently for the Grass to Grow

It is the middle of April. The snow is gone. Mud season was not so bad this year. Considering all the snow we got, it was surprising how fast it all went away. The light is so much stronger now and the sun higher in the sky every day. The grass has really not started to grow. The sheep are desperate to eat their greens. I think once one little blade pops up, they are there to harvest it. It won't be long until the grass is growing like crazy - probably mid May. The Farmer will then be mad to harvest it for hay. I better get some work out of him before he disappears with his tractor until October! 

There is very little shade for the sheep because the trees have not leafed out yet. It will be a few weeks for that. They find little bits of shade along the densely wooded sections of the pasture and along fence lines where the shadows are heavier. It hasn't been too hot yet and I am thankful for that. Sometimes in New England we go from freezing cold to the uncomfortable days of 80 degrees and more. Right now we are having a nice stretch of spring weather - warm during the day (70 or so) and almost freezing in the evenings. We love to have a fire in the woodstove in the evenings and this weather is affording that. 

The Farmer's Market Season starts on Saturday. It is a long stretch outdoors until Thanksgiving. Must get the product ready to go, check the tent, clean the freezers and the sheds in case anyone dares to come here to buy meat. Have the markets started in your part of the world yet? 

Today I am sharing some photos from around the farm. Enjoy your Thursday everyone! 

An Artful Gem in Western Mass - Good Time Stove Company

A few weeks ago, Julia and I headed over to Cummington to the Massachusetts Sheep and Wool Festival. On the way home, we stopped at The Good Time Stove Company which sits on Route 112 in Goshen. Years ago, we stopped by to see the antique stoves that are all repaired and put back into working order. It is an amazing place.

Since the last time I stopped, The Good Time Stove Company has been transformed into a major work of art. Here's what we saw. Maybe one day, you'll head this way and see it to. If you can't, watch this episode on Making It Here produced by WGBY, our local PBS station. 

Do you see the giant tin man?

Julia with the Tin Man

Julia under the archway made of bicycles

There is also a healing garden set behind the stove company called Three Sisters Sanctuary. We didn't have time to see it but will take a trip there soon. 

This place is definitely worth a trip. It is located not too far from Northampton, MA and about 40 minutes from our farm. Put it on your places to see in western Mass.